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Associated Press
9/18/2006 12:27:49 PM
LONDON (AP) - Olivier Panis is leaving Formula One after a 10-year racing career.
Panis, who won only once, ended his Formula One racing career with Toyota in 2004. The 40-year-old remained as Toyota's test driver for two years and will leave when the season ends.
"I am looking forward to new racing challenges outside Formula One, but I will keep a close eye on Toyota's performance and hope they achieve all the success they deserve," the Frenchman said in a statement.
Panis' only victory was at Monaco in 1996. He was second three times and finished third in one race.
Panis drove in 158 races and began his career in 1994 with Ligier.
He drove three seasons with Ligier, then moved to Prost for three seasons. He sat out in 2000 but returned with BAR-Honda in 2001 and 2002. He finished with Toyota in 2003 and 2004.
Toyota will race next season with Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli. Frenchman Franck Montagny is likely to join as the test driver.
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